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Early arrivals for the world championship diving in Barcelona, Spain, are getting an odd treat
this week: The chance to see eagles skimming over the water where divers will launch themselves
from up to 10 meters.

The birds’ mission: Patrol the airspace to keep away seagulls and pigeons for the safety of the
divers.

“I begin early so that everything is clean and there are no seagulls,” falconer Oscar Martos
said.

Like most cities, Barcelona has a pigeon problem. Because the Montjuic Municipal pool is on a
hill with a side that falls into the Mediterranean, seagulls have taken a liking to its convenient
perches and inviting waters.

Martos said every day before and after the diving events, he releases one of his three birds to
fly back and forth from his gloved fist to the light towers on the other side of the pool.

It’s not just about keeping it clean, Martos said. It’s also about safety, so the divers don’t
land on the birds.

“Seagulls are not afraid and can swoop down to get a drink or take a bath,” he said. “If they do
that when a diver is in the air, it could be dangerous.”